deplorable

/dɪˈplɔrəbəl/

/dɪˈplɔrəbəl/

Deplorable is an adjective used to describe something extremely bad or unfortunate, like the deplorable destruction and loss of life in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami.

Deplorable comes from the French word déplorer meaning "to give up as hopeless," meaning something is so bad, there is no hope of improvement like the deplorable actions of the arsonist who burned down the museum filled with priceless antiques. Deplorable can also describe something that is of terrible quality or unhealthful, like the deplorable state of the area under your bed — is that a moldy sandwich under there?

Definitions of deplorable

1. adjective

   of very poor quality or condition
   “deplorable housing conditions in the inner city”

   synonyms: execrable, miserable, woeful, wretched

   inferior

   of low or inferior quality
2. adjective

   bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
   “a deplorable act of violence”

   synonyms: condemnable, criminal, reprehensible, vicious

   wrong

   contrary to conscience or morality or law
3. adjective

   bad; unfortunate
   “my finances were in a deplorable state”

   synonyms: distressing, lamentable, pitiful, sad, sorry

   bad

   having undesirable or negative qualities